The purpose of the debate is to provide a comprehensive and final solution to the problem of stray animals, especially dogs. In addition to the health and sanitation issue, the issue of stray animals has unfortunately become a threat to public safety, leading to human deaths and physical injuries. This is an unacceptable situation. The problem has a sensitivity that lies in organizing our coexistence with stray, homeless or ownerless animals in an ethically correct, at the same time safe and effective way. I think that everything should be done within the competences of the concerned institutions, all the efforts should be made to provide an urgent solution to the problem. The deputy of the NA Civil Contract Faction Meri Galstyan said this at the working debate organized by her on December 15 regarding the solution to the problem of stray dogs.
The representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Economy, Health, Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, the Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Yerevan Municipality took part.
Taking into consideration the necessity to solve the problem, Meri Galstyan informed that together with the MPs, they studied the international best practices in the field and after several years of work, they initiated a relevant legislative package. Speaking about the main regulations proposed by the initiative, the deputy noted that special shelters should be built for stray animals, and local self-government bodies will be given additional functions and powers to organize, coordinate and control the whole process. The MPs also plan to test the animal adoption institute. It will be intended for those citizens who would prefer to adopt animals kept in shelters.
The participants presented their observations and proposals regarding the debated issue. There was a reference to the creation of a centralized online system of animal registration, sterilization and effective implementation of the vaccination process. Creation of community shelters for stray animals, identification of animals by means of chips have become important. The issue of housing construction financing was discussed. It is planned that it will be implemented by the communities through state subsidies. Public control over the process has become important.
Summarizing the debate, Meri Galstyan considered it effective. She mentioned that the raised proposals will be further debated and, if possible, will be included in the legislative package to be put into circulation in the near future.
National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia
